Wildfires burn over 2 500 ha (6 200 acres) on North Dakota tribal lands
Wildfires burned over 2 500 ha (6 200 acres) across North Dakota’s Turtle Mountain and Fort Berthold reservations in early May 2025, threatening homes. Coordinated efforts by state, tribal, and federal agencies saved most structures, with only one abandoned trailer lost.
Aerial firefighting operation over Turtle Mountain area. Image credit: Turtle Mountain Tribe
At least 16 wildfires burned across North Dakota from May 4 to 6, significantly affecting tribal lands.
On the Turtle Mountain Reservation, three fires merged into a complex, consuming approximately 1 700 ha (4 200 acres) of heavy timber and prairie. The Fort Berthold Reservation reported two fires, one burning about 730 ha (1 800 acres) and another covering 80–120 ha (200–300 acres). Dry, windy conditions and severe drought contributed to the rapid spread.
On Turtle Mountain, the Belcourt Fire Department led firefighting efforts with support from the North Dakota Forest Service and regional crews. Each fire threatened over 10–15 structures, but most were saved. One vacant trailer was lost. Around 10 families were evacuated, and three firefighters were treated for exhaustion, dehydration, and smoke inhalation.
The North Dakota National Guard deployed UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with water buckets over Turtle Mountain on May 5–6. Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) dropped retardant on May 4–5, while the Civil Air Patrol conducted reconnaissance flights to identify hot spots. A temporary flight restriction was enacted over Turtle Mountain fire complex to support aerial operations.
On Fort Berthold, the Bureau of Indian Affairs managed the 730 ha (1 800 acres) fire, which reached 40% containment by May 7. The Mandaree Fire Department fully contained the smaller 80–120 ha (200–300 acres) fire. Mutual aid included engines from South Dakota, Montana, and local tribal fire departments.
The State Emergency Operations Center was activated to Level 2 on May 4, coordinating multi-agency responses. Governor Kelly Armstrong’s March fire emergency declaration enabled the deployment of pre-positioned resources, including the ND Wildland Fire Task Force.
Much of western North Dakota experienced severe or extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, while dry conditions, reported by the National Weather Service (NWS) in mid-April, contributed to the fires’ rapid spread. Accidental sparks from trash-burning barrels were suspected to be the cause.
Tribal officials, including Turtle Mountain’s Chairman Jamie Azure, issued local fire emergency declarations, grounded drones, and promoted burn restrictions via NDResponse.gov, where residents were advised to check conditions before burning. While the causes of the fires remain under investigation, some incidents of intentional fire-starting led to arrests.
By May 7, nearly all 16 fires statewide were fully contained.
References:
1 State Emergency Operations Center Activated to Aid Local Fire Response as Fires Burn Across the State – North Dakota Department of Emergency Services – May 6, 2025
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
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